The Groom Boutonniere Guide (with Tips and Inspiration)

The groom boutonniere is a stylish way to add a personal touch to the groom’s outfit. The accessory also ties in the groom’s outfit nicely to the bride and bridesmaid’s bouquets and gives the wedding party a cohesive look. Regardless of the style, the groom boutonniere is an important part of the wedding day ensemble, and it should be chosen with care. In this guide, we’ll cover the following groom boutonniere topics:

What is a the Groom boutonniere?
How to choose the perfect groom boutonniere
How to pin a boutonniere
When to pin a boutonniere
Groom boutonniere examples and inspiration

What is a Groom boutonniere?

The groom boutonniere is a small flower that is worn on the lapel of a suit or tuxedo. It is typically made from a single flower, such as a rose, and is usually paired with a matching boutonniere for the groomsmen. The groom boutonniere is usually chosen to coordinate with the bride’s bouquet, and it is not uncommon for the florist to make suggestions for complementary flowers. While the groom boutonniere is traditionally worn on the left lapel, some grooms choose to wear it on the right side in order to keep it visible in photos.

How to choose the perfect groom boutonniere

With so many different styles available, how do you choose the perfect one? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

First, consider the overall style of the wedding. Is it formal or informal? A boutonniere that is too formal might look out of place at a casual ceremony, while a too-casual boutonniere can make the groom look unprepared.
Second, take into account the groom’s personality. If he is fun and outgoing, a bolder boutonniere might be appropriate. If he is more traditional, a classic style might be best.
Third, consider the colors of the wedding. The boutonniere should coordinate with the rest of the wedding party’s attire, as well as the bride’s dress. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing blush-colored dresses, a blush boutonniere would be lovely.
Finally, don’t forget about practicality. Make sure the boutonniere is sturdy enough to withstand being worn all day, and that it won’t wilt in heat or get squished in tight spaces.

How to pin a boutonniere

Pinning a boutonniere is not difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, choose a boutonniere that is the appropriate size for your lapel.
Second, make sure the stem is not too long or too short. The stem should be just long enough to poke through the lapel and be secured on the other side.
Third, use a sharp needle and strong thread to attach the boutonniere to the lapel.
Fourth, be sure to secure the thread so that it cannot be seen from the front of the lapel.
Fifth, fluff the petals of the boutonniere and arrange them pleasingly.

If you need a visual walk through, see this video on How to Pin a Boutonniere by our friends at SLR Lounge.

When to pin a boutonniere

The boutonniere can start to droop throughout the day as the groom greets and hugs guests of the wedding. As such, the boutonniere should not be pinned too early in the day. The best time is right before the photo sessions start, so typically before groom portraits or the first look.